IND vs ENG: Shubman Gill backs Gautam Gambhir amid Oval Curator Controversy

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India captain Shubman Gill supported coach Gautam Gambhir following Gambhir's heated confrontation with The Oval's chief curator Lee Fortis during a training session ahead of the final Test against England.

The dispute began when Fortis reportedly instructed the Indian coaching staff to stay 2.5 metres away from the pitch square, despite them wearing joggers or rubber-spiked shoes, which the Indian camp found frustrating.

Gambhir was caught on camera saying, "You don't tell any of us what we need to do... you have no right to tell us. You are just a groundsman, nothing beyond".

Although the visuals of the spat made Gambhir an initial villain, there have reports of Fortis' arrogance, which has not been a first instance. And now India captain Shubman Gill has stayed by his head coach.

Gill described the incident as "unnecessary" and emphasized that the coach and captain should have the right to inspect the pitch closely, especially if they are barefoot or wearing rubber spikes.

"I don't know why the curator didn't let us or didn't allow us to do that," noting that in the four previous matches played in England, no such restrictions were imposed on them. The India captain also pointed out that other venues in England did not have such instructions.

"As long as you are wearing rubber spikes and you are barefoot, I think you can see the wicket closely," he added.

Interestingly, English players including Joe Root and stand-in captain Ollie Pope were seen standing on the match pitch shadow batting without any restrictions on the same day, highlighting perceived double standards on access to the pitch by the hosts. England captain Ben Stokes, ruled out due to injury, declined to comment on the incident.

India are trailing the series 1-2 and will have to win in the final Test to restore parity in the series. Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play for India at the Oval, while England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.